Today was my first time hunting - What a blast!

[largo45]

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First Time MD'ing. I am HOOKED!
« on: Today at 04:34:33 pm »

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Been wanting a Garrett 250 or AT PRO but wasn't sure if I would like hunting. So I spent $46 and bought a cheap MD from Harbor Freight to use as a trial.

This morning I went to the beach and hit the silver (.925) dangle earring within 5 minutes! Followed by a 2010 quarter, a 2004 dime, a lighter, the inevitable pull-tab and a part of a fishing reel.

What a blast!

The quarter was completely encapsulated in some kind of hard crud, I thought it a button until I got home and got a better look. The crud was so baked on that the image of Washington is still visible on the crud piece that flaked off.

Hunted for exactly one hour before work, great exercise and a lovely fall day in Galveston.

I will probably use the HF machine for a couple of weeks while I vacillate between the 250 and the AT PRO.

The outing did convince me that I need a pointer and a sand scoop also.

 

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[justdon]

I still use my hf 9 function as a backup i found a few good things with it.I moved up to a garrett 250 and iam happy with it.My next move when i can afford it will be an at pro.You are off to a good start.Have fun.Happy hunting.

 

[GaRebel1861]

Welcome to the addiction!

 

[lab rat]

My first detector experience was with a rental unit. I spent $15 for the day use, and found maybe $.45, but had fun and learned a lot. My best recommendation is to invest in the best detector you can afford. If the AT Pro is more $ than the other, check out the differences in automatic ground balance and sensitivity-- those are the things that will make the most difference. Just because one is more $ doesn't mean it is a better machine. Discrimination can also be a factor, but it is better to use less discrimination than more except in the trashiest areas, and so discrimination ability shouldn't be as much of a deciding factor. Take the time to learn the detector you bought, and spend enough time (at least a few months) using it to know what abilities it doesn't have that you want for your area before you buy your next one, then you'll be happier in the long run!

If you're working sandy beaches only, you shouldn't need a pinpointer for that. You'll need one for parks, hardpack soil, and grassy areas. Save your money for a better detector or work on getting a good scoop (longer handles are so much easier to work with in the long run!) before the pinpointer.

Best of luck to you-- post your great finds as they come along!

 

[Tnmountains]

Welcome to T-net and metal detecting. You quickly learn what tools make life easier when hunting. I tend to have all the right tools but keeping up with them is another story. Fun finds and good luck in all your hunts!

 

[Ahab8]

Good for you! You will find so much enjoyment unearthing history's treasures. Not to mention just being outside is good for the soul. Enjoy every second of your future hunts!

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

I have an AT Gold love it, being waterproof to ten feet is what sold me on it as I hunt in the mountain rivers a lot, if you hunt the coast the AT Pro is better as the AT Gold can,t ground balance in the saltwater. Don,t know if the 250 is waterproof or if that is a feature you are looking for.

 

[detroitdigger]

Congrats on your first outing, welcome to the addiction!!, I would definitely go w/ the AT Pro.

 

[RCGoodin]

I heard (You Tube) that Harbor Freight has a $16 pin pointer that works. Who'd a thunk it?

 

[wkrp43]

Nice....welcome to tnet

 

[lookindown]

Welcome to T-NET and welcome to the Addiction...get the AT pro...you wont regret it.

 

[wv hilljack]

Congrats on your first outing, this is a very addictioning and exciting hobby. Do some good research on your future machine. The AT Pro is a good one also.